Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced its intention to demolish the illegal market, “Yar Kasuwa,” situated along Number 16 Road corridor in Gwarinpa.
Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, FCTA, revealed the decision during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Sunday.
Galadima informed representatives of the traders’ union that a quit notice had been served, mandating traders to vacate the area by January 7.
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The planned demolition is scheduled to commence on January 8. The market’s presence has reportedly impeded the progress of the arterial road development project, with contractors engaging traders since September 2023.
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Despite prolonged discussions, traders continued to request additional time, causing delays in the project’s delivery.
Galadima stated, “The time frame for the contract had been eaten into by the traders’ refusal to quit.
“If the contract is not executed as scheduled, the cost of materials would keep rising and could lead to contract variation, which is against the policy of the current Administration.
“This meeting, therefore, is basically to inform the traders occupying Number 16 Road corridor to vacate the area, latest by Wednesday, as demolition will begin on Thursday (January 8).
“This is necessary because the last time they were served notices, they claimed that they were not fully briefed,” he added.